News

Equestrian Australia partners with Inglis

9th Jun 2011

Two of Australia’s most well renowned organisations in the equine industry, Equestrian Australia (EA) and Inglis, are teaming up in a bid to revolutionise Equestrian sport.
Through their online brand Horsezone, Inglis has come on board as one of EA’s Principal Partners to assist in the launch and operation of the sport’s new Information Communication Technology (ICT) platform.

Designed to provide real benefits to members and better manage event competitions, the ICT platform supports the strategic priorities for Equestrian Australia that were established by representatives of all disciplines, State Branches and the National Office.

The ICT platform will be unveiled in stages over the next twelve months. The Horsezone website will be a public face and entry point for those accessing the ICT platform.

“This platform is a ground-breaking system that will change the way Equestrian sport in Australia operates. It will benefit our members, events, volunteers - every aspect of our business,” said Grant Baldock, Equestrian Australia CEO.

”Without support from Horsezone this would not have been possible, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have them on board. This partnership is a perfect fit for our sport, as we share similar goals and both have a real passion to see it reach new heights, ’ he added.

The platform will feature a new membership portal, event management and registration system, online television as well as an online shop. Equestrian Australia is currently undergoing a consultation period with various stakeholders, including event organisers, to ensure the system meets all the needs of the membership. Since launching the innovative horse trading website Horsezone early in 2010, Inglis has been exploring ways to use technology in a smart way to assist all horse enthusiasts and professionals, not just members of the racing industry. In discussions between Inglis and Equestrian Australia it became clear that both organisations shared a common goal and could better serve the Equestrian market by working together.

Inglis Managing Director, Mark Webster commented on the development of the site "We saw a gap in the market for a 24/7 trading service for buyers and sellers of a wide range of sporting, performance and show horses, and launched Horsezone a year ago. We have been overwhelmed by the support the equestrian marketplace so far, who have been crying out for an innovative and cost effective service that breaks the old fashioned monthly trading cycle. We've been the market leader in the racing sector for more than 140 years and look forward to providing the same level of professional service to the broader equestrian community across Australia and New Zealand. We also see a great opportunity to bring the thoroughbred and equestrian sectors much closer together for the common good."

"Our partnership with Equestrian Australia and close association with development and promotion of the new online entry platform is another way of supporting the sport and cementing our place in the market. EA are the peak equestrian body in this country and are aligned to our culture and way of doing business. They are creative, progressive and forward thinking, our new partnership will revolutionise the equestrian event management and trading environment."

Among Horsezone's many features, the site offers advertisers compelling ways to showcase their horses or products for sale. Sellers are able to cost effectively promote their listings by including multiple photos and video footage, whilst buyers can be notified as soon as a horse fitting their description is listed through email alerts. Breeders can promote their stallions all year long, and the online directory provides equine businesses with the opportunity to promote their services to a wide range of customers. The editorial coverage of major equestrian events and general equine news makes the website a compelling daily destination for horse lovers of all kinds.

Equestrian Australia has been working long term on developing the new ICT platform to further support the new strategic priorities that were launched in 2010. “We are very excited to be launching a new ICT system that will underpin our seven strategic priorities outlined in ‘Creating our future’ as it will help to grow the organisation.

“While the membership portal and event registration system will be first off the rank, there are other key features that will be rolled out over the next 12 months. It is a great time for our sport and we are confident both our members and fans of the sport will be excited by what will be delivered,” said Mr Baldock. This long term agreement between Equestrian Australia and Horsezone will also stretch to other areas of both organisations, with the primary focus of online activation.

For further information please contact:
Equestrian Australia
Nicky Turner
Publicity & Promotions Officer
nicky_turner@efanational.com
(02) 8762 7777 or 0404 496 182

Horsezone.com.au
Haylie Martin
Marketing Manager
Haylie@horsezone.com.au
(02) 8307 3148 or 0428 042 126